Russ praised by LMA

The League Managers Association have today congratulated Iron boss Russ Wilcox for equalling a 126 year old Football League record.

The 2-0 win at Cheltenham saw Wilcox equal the record of 23 unbeaten games from the start of a managerial reign, set in 1889 by William Sudell of Preston North End.

LMA Chairman, Howard Wilkinson, said: “It is a fantastic achievement for an unassuming and modest man who has proved that dedication, hard work, persistence and a passion for the game can eventually achieve the extraordinary.

“The determination and resilience he has shown in rising through the ranks, sometimes painfully slowly, from part-time player, to league player, coach and now league manager is remarkable and worthy of tremendous credit and respect.”

“This is an inspirational story for any would be coach or manager.”

LMA Chief Executive, Richard Bevan added: “On behalf of everyone at the LMA, I congratulate Russ on reaching such a significant milestone. Historically the statistics demonstrate the huge challenge first time managers face, first to survive in the role and then to go on and lay the foundations to build a career in football management.

“Russ is an extremely experienced coach and this achievement certainly proves how important the preparation process is before being presented with an opportunity. Russ has clearly more than survived the testing period of a first managerial appointment and I am sure he will continue to build on this success with Scunthorpe United.”